City Buys Former Magistrate's Home; Plans Flood Fix That Could Slash West Ashley Costs

The City of Charleston has purchased the house at 1233 Bamboo Dr. — formerly owned by ex-magistrate James B. Gosnell Jr. — and plans to use the parcel to address persistent flooding in the West Ashley neighborhood.

Purchase Details and Purpose

The city acquired the property for its appraised value of $610,000, according to a public deed dated Sept. 21. City officials say owning the lot will allow engineers to concentrate stormwater work on public land and avoid expensive infrastructure routed around private properties, potentially reducing the project's cost substantially.

Background on the Owner

Gosnell, who served nearly 30 years as a state magistrate judge, was the subject of a federal search in September 2025 while still in active court duty. In July he pleaded guilty to two federal counts related to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material involving children younger than 12; he is awaiting sentencing at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Ga.

Public records show that the week after his arrest Gosnell executed a $200,000 loan from his criminal defense attorney, Lionel Lofton. Lofton described the loan as covered by "attorney-client privilege" and said the past year has been difficult for Gosnell, who has been "almost exclusively in solitary confinement." Neither Lofton nor Frank Cornely, who handled the deed documents, provided further comment beyond public records.

Costs, Constraints and Potential Designs

City officials had previously set aside $2.5 million to address chronic drainage and flooding near Bamboo and Ashland drives. With the new parcel in public ownership, Matt Fountain, the city's director of stormwater management, estimated during a July committee meeting that the overall project cost could fall to roughly $900,000 by allowing work to be focused on city-controlled land.

Potential engineering solutions under study include installing a sunken garden or detention area at the rear of the lot to hold stormwater temporarily and improving runoff connections into the existing drainage network. An engineering firm is currently surveying and testing the site as part of design and permitting work.

What Could Happen To The House

City officials say no final decision has been made about the house itself. If yard-based changes sufficiently reduce flood risk without disturbing the structure, the City could consider selling the home or using it as workforce housing. Officials also have not ruled out demolition if removing the building proves necessary to expand stormwater solutions.

Legal And Financial Notes

Gosnell's plea agreement notes mandatory assessments that could total about $22,000. Prosecutors agreed that if he complies with all terms of the plea, they will not ask for an additional fine or seek forfeiture of 1233 Bamboo Dr. The amount of any restitution will be determined at sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.

“There was no path to acquire this land for less,” city spokesperson Deja Knight McMillan said, adding that the parcel can now be used to help keep water out of neighbors’ homes. Area councilmember William Tinkler emphasized the effort to be sensitive to residents and neighborhood character while delivering relief.

Community Input And Next Steps

The city is working with engineers on design and permitting and will seek resident input before finalizing plans. Officials stress the goal is a cost-effective, well-designed solution that reduces flooding while respecting the neighborhood.